Firm Foundation

Re-Read:
At some point this week, read through the entire letter of 2 Timothy. It should take you 10-15 minutes. One person has said that it is impossible to read 2 Timothy “without something like a mist in your eyes.” If you were at the end of your life, would you write a letter like this? Who would you write it to?

Respond:
1) Pastor John said in his introduction that churches must have “truth and love.” What happens if only
one of those is present? How have you experienced truth and love at MBC?
2) Paul refers to the “promise of life” (v. 1) in his introductory remarks. Where do people often look for “life”? Where have you sought for life apart from God?
3) Paul has a deep affection for Timothy. Spend some time cross referencing what he says elsewhere about his son in the faith. See Acts 16:1-3; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:20-22.
4) How does Paul resist being overwhelmed by his horrible conditions? How can you learn from this?
5) Have you received discipleship from both your immediate family and the church? What if someone (you?) does not have a solid grounding from their family?
6) What does it mean to “fan into flame” the gift? How does Paul remind Timothy and us, for that matter, to remember the gift?
7) What do you fear most? How does v. 7 remind you not to fear? Why is a spirit of power, love, and discipline crucial to overcome fear?

Reflect:
Take some time this week and pray for those that have mentored you, and pray for those whom God has put under your leadership. Pray that you will have the kind of affection for them that Paul had for Timothy. Pray also for MBC that we will continue to be a church that invests in discipleship.